Treatment FAQ

what happens if you give a cat an extra flea treatment

by Mr. Oswald Rohan PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What happens if you use dog flea treatment on cats? These treatments can contain permethrin

Permethrin

This medication is used to treat head lice, tiny insects that infest and irritate your scalp. Permethrin is also used to help avoid infestation in people who have close contact with someone who has head lice.

, which is toxic to cats. Permethrin poisoning causes ataxia, tremors, tachycardia, salivation, dilated pupils and seizures, which can be fatal.

Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.Aug 17, 2018

Full Answer

Is too much flea treatment bad for a cat?

That is too much treatment in one go and could harm your cat. My advice is to take the flea collar off. They can be dangerous to some cats and in my experience they don't get rid of fleas that well either. the monthly spot n treatments are much better if you get a quality one. treatments for more information.

What happens if my cat gets wet after applying flea treatment?

Your cat’s flea product will provide protection for the duration it should come rain or come shine-as long as the product dries on the skin in the first place. If you apply the pipette and your cat then goes out in the rain or otherwise gets wet, the product may well fail.

Can you give a stray cat flea treatment on her mother?

I once took in a stray cat and all 7 of her kittens to be checked out by a vet when they were 3 days old. The vet put the drop flea treatment on mom because she had fleas and did not want the kittens to get them. Mom did fine and so did all 7 kittens but that was just my experience. You could call a vet and ask if it's okay to flea treat Mom.

What to do if your cat has been exposed to fleas?

Following oral toxicity, vomiting may be induced, gastric lavage may be carried out, activated charcoal may be given, and enemas may be administered. Following skin exposure, a cat may be washed in detergent or liquid dish soap to remove all traces of flea and tick medication.

Can a cat overdose on flea treatment?

Primary Cause. Toxicity is caused by an overdose of topical (external) flea and tick control products containing pyrethrin, permethrin or other pyrethroids. It can also result from using pyrethrin containing flea products made for dogs, which are made with higher levels of pyrethrin — levels that are unsafe for cats.

Can I put two doses of flea treatment on my cat?

Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and some medications may not produce immediate effects.

Can you double up on flea treatment?

It's not usually recommended to use more than one oral flea medication at the same time. However, Comfortis and Capstar can be combined. Another exception is Sentinel, which doesn't kill adult fleas, so it can be combined individually with either Comfortis or Capstar.

Can I give my cat Advantage flea twice in a month?

can you use before 30 days is up. Under normal conditions this product is effective for one month. However, in cases of severe flea infestation, retreatment may be necessary earlier than 4 weeks. Do not retreat more often than once every 14 days for kittens or once every 7 days for small and large cats.

What happens if I flea my cat twice?

An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting. Tremoring.

Can I reapply flea treatment early?

Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.

How soon can I give my cat another flea treatment?

The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.

Can you apply frontline more than once a month?

FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS should be applied every 2 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on dogs, or every month for control of brown dog ticks. FRONTLINE SPRAY should be applied every 3 weeks for control of paralysis ticks on cats and dogs, or every month for the control of brown dog ticks.

What happens if you apply Frontline too soon?

What is this? Even if you apply Frontline as directed, you may still see fleas in your pet's fur or on your pet's skin after treatment. If you see them surface directly after application, this could simply be because fleas travel to the coat's surface as they die.

Can Advantage 2 hurt my cat?

Advantage flea treatment is generally considered to be safe for cats; however, some cats may develop a reaction to the active ingredient. Causes of a reaction include: The medication is absorbed through the skin. The medication can enter the cat's bloodstream.

Why is my cat still scratching after flea treatment?

It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.

Can I use Advantage 2 weeks after using frontline?

If a client is currently using a different topical such as Revolution or Advantage, it is safe to change to Frontline Plus after 3-4 weeks from the date of last application of the other product.

How to apply flea treatment?

How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.

How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?

Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.

How long do fleas live in the environment?

Flea eggs and larvae can live in the environment for days or weeks. It is best to regularly vacuum all the locations of your home where your pet spends time, wash all bedding in hot water, and keep your pets on flea prevention.

How to apply Bravecto to cat?

Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.

Where to apply hair spray for dogs?

You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.

Can you treat fleas in your home?

Your Home Hasn’t Been Treated for Fleas. In conjunction with topical flea treatments, you need to treat your home to provide the best defense against fleas. Most flea preventions do not repel fleas. Flea preventions kill fleas either by direct contact with the fleas or from the fleas feeding on your pet.

How do you know if your cat has flea and tick poisoning?

Symptoms of Flea and Tick Medicine Poisoning in Cats. You may notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning within the first six hours of exposure. Take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms: Drooling. Vomiting.

Why do cats get fleas and ticks?

The causes of this condition are as follow: Sensitivity to the medicine. Medicine clinging to hair coats. Unusually low body temperature. Overdosing of medication. Ingestion of topical medication.

What to expect from a veterinarian for a cat?

Expect your veterinarian to order blood work as part of the physical exam. Your veterinarian will use your answers, the cat’s signs, and the test results to make an accurate diagnosis. It is vital to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the signs of flea and tick medicine poisoning.

What to do if your cat is poisoned?

The best thing you can do for your cat in the case of poisoning is take them to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will start by asking questions about their medical history and the signs they are displaying at home. You can also expect your veterinarian to ask about their exposure to the chemicals.

How long does it take for a cat to be released from the hospital?

The good news is your cat may be released from the hospital in just two to three days.

How long do you have to monitor a cat after poisoning?

Constant Monitoring. The medical staff will monitor your cat for several days to ensure they are recovering from the poisoning. This includes monitoring their blood glucose, body temperature, and kidney function. Your cat may need to remain hospitalized until their symptoms fade and their body is functioning normally.

Can ticks kill cats?

The effects range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of exposure and condition of your cat. Flea and tick medicine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated by a veterinarian. Flea and tick medicine poisoning occurs when your cat has a negative reaction to the medication.

About Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

Pet owners often choose to prevent fleas and ticks in cats and dogs using regular medication, which makes sense, but it’s important to remember that the active ingredients of these products can have a toxic effect on cats in certain circumstances.

What Are The Different Types Of Flea And Tick Medication?

Flea and tick medication works in different ways, requiring different specific approaches to toxicity. The most common products are:

Symptoms Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

While poisoning is unlikely to happen if flea and tick products are used according to manufacturers’ recommendations, mishaps can happen, and they can lead to cats becoming ill and even die following exposure to these medications.

Diagnosis Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

Signs of toxicity include anorexia, salivation/drooling, agitation and restlessness, hyperthermia, vomiting, incoordination, staggering when trying to jump, walk or even just to stand normally.

Treatment Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

The priority initially is to stabilize any general signs of flea and tick medication poisoning and then, if necessary, proceed with the specific treatments to prevent the further absorption.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the severity of the signs, the type of product involved, and the level of flea and tick medication exposure.

Prevention Of Flea And Tick Medication Poisoning In Cats

All insecticides should be used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be kept out of the reach of cats. Dog parasite control products should never be applied to cats.

What is the best way to kill fleas in cats?

Delivery Method . Flea treatments for cats may come as shampoos, dips, sprays, bombs, powders, spot-ons, orals, collars, combs, and even injections. Some delivery methods are only appropriate for killing live fleas while others will help prevent a flea from being able to reproduce.

What does it mean when a cat has fleas?

Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.

How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?

Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.

How long does it take for Bayer Advantage 2 to work?

Bayer Advantage II is one of the go-to flea treatments for cats. It’s a set-and-forget solution, effective against fleas for four weeks and starts working in 12 hours. Simply applying the product to your cat’s neck kills fleas upon contact, without requiring them to bite the skin. It’s also fragrance-free, waterproof and kills larvae and flea eggs as well as adults.

What is the best flea collar for cats?

Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.

Can you use pyrethroids on cats?

Avoid using pyrethroids in cats as they can be toxic. These are more commonly found in some dog flea treatment products, but are still occasionally seen in cat products. Pyrethrins and permethrin products can also be dangerous to use in cats, but each cat has a different level of sensitivity.

Can flea treatments kill live fleas?

Additionally, some products will kill live fleas while others will only prevent a flea from reproducing, so not all products are appropriate for all your flea needs. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...

What is the best flea medicine for cats?

In addition to all the different ways flea medications can be applied, there are a variety of different types of drugs, as well as all-natural ingredients, that are used in pets. Some are safe for both dogs and cats at appropriate dosages while others are toxic to cats. New drugs are regularly introduced to the pet market but popular options include: 1 Selamectin2  2 Permethrin 3 Fipronil 4 Afoxolaner 5 Nitenpyram 6 Spinosad 7 Fluralaner3  8 Sarolaner 9 Imidacloprid 10 All-natural ingredients

What is the best way to treat fleas in a carpet?

Powders - Beneficial for carpeting and other fabric surfaces, powders are used if there are live fleas in your pet's environment. Flea Bombs - Another option for treating an environment that has a flea infestation, flea bombs create a fog or aerosol that is able to infiltrate small spaces that fleas like to live.

What to do if your dog is sick?

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources.

Can you use shampoo on fleas?

Shampoos - Like sprays, shampoos are only used if your pet has fleas since there are no lasting preventative benefits. Shampoos for giving a pet a flea bath may contain all-natural ingredients or permethrins to kill live fleas.

Can flea sprays be used on pets?

Sprays - Usually only used when there is an active flea infestation , sprays usually contain all-natural or permethrins that are designed to be sprayed directly onto pets as well as surfaces. Sprays are most often purchased from pet stores but some veterinarians offer them as well.

Is flea medicine safe for cats?

Safe Flea Medications For Cats. If your veterinarian sold you a flea medication specifically designed for cats then it is most likely safe, but if you are purchasing a flea medication from a pet store it may not be safe for a cat, even if the label says it is. For example, permethrin-containing products should always be avoided in cats, ...

Can fleas be administered to dogs?

Flea medications can be administered to dogs and cats a variety of ways including: Topical - Typically applied to the back of the neck in a location that is not able to be licked off by your pet, topical flea medications are available both over the counter and from your veterinarian.

Why do cats lick fleas?

Flea spot-on treatments are designed to be applied to the scruff of the neck, and the main reason for this is because it is an area that your cat cannot reach to lick the product off! If you apply the pipette in a different area of the body or don’t get your aim quite right, your cat may lick it off and so , render it ineffective.

Do flea products need to be applied to the skin?

Flea products need to be applied to the skin, where they then diffuse across the body as they dry to provide protection. This means that you need to part the cat’s fur and ensure that you apply the liquid to the skin, and failing to do this and simply wetting the fur instead is likely to render the product ineffective.

Can you open a cat flea treatment tube?

You should only open a pipette when you are ready to use it, and remember that your products can become compromised if opened and left for more than a couple of hours before use, or if there is any damage to the immediate packaging.

Do flea treatments work for cats?

Every few years, one or more premium flea products for cats are brought onto the market and these tend to be more expensive than the existing alternatives and often, only available from the vet. This is more than just a marketing gimmick-over time, the flea populations in any given area build up a tolerance to the active ingredient contained within the treatment products, which mean that treating your cat with any given product might work well for years, but then begin to fail.

Why did the vet put flea drops on mom?

The vet put the drop flea treatment on mom because she had fleas and did not want the kittens to get them. Mom did fine and so did all 7 kittens but that was just my experience. You could call a vet and ask if it's okay to flea treat Mom. Nov 28, 2014. Thread Starter.

Is dawn soap safe for cats?

Also, even if the flea shampo is really OK for adult cats, there is a big risk the kittens will get some in them - which isnt necessary safe.

Can fleas flee on kittens?

Wet with the soap foam around her face, so the fleas wont try to flee on her face, and bathe.... Similiar tip if you ever must flea bathe kittens - there perhaps the ring of soap foam around their neck, as htey are smaller. With kittens be extra sure it is warm in the room, no draugh, and dry off them thoroughly afterwards.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9